Outlook: In the terrible AFC Wild Card race, somehow the Browns are still not mathematically eliminated. That should change sooner rather than later. But when it comes to the Bengals, no ineptitude is beyond their grasp. Cincinnati pounded Cleveland earlier this season, but hasn’t beaten anyone else in 2017 by double-digits. Even with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in a plus matchup here, it’s hard to trust any member of this team to show consistency. Even Green has just two games of more than five receptions this season. The Bengals schedule is too tough to expect a legitimate run at the Wild Card, but for all their issues, they’re still not the Browns. They should take care of business here.

Player to watch: Corey Coleman, WR. In his return to the lineup, Coleman made an impression in an otherwise ugly loss last week. He had six catches for 80 yards and seemed to immediately establish a rapport with Kizer. If they can keep that up, the Browns might finally have an option to lean on in the pass game. Still, with Kizer throwing the ball, don’t hold your breath.

Line: Bengals by 8.5

Pick: Bengals, 20-13

CHICAGO AT PHILADELPHIA

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: The Eagles continue to roll, and with home-field advantage within reach, don’t expect them to take their foot off of the gas anytime soon. They’ve scored 30 or more points in four straight games. Carson Wentz did show some vulnerability against the Cowboys last week, with a few errant throws in the middle of the game, and Chicago is no slouch against the pass, with the fourth-highest sack total in the NFL. The Bears will do their best to rely on the run game in this one, but good luck with that. The Eagles front seven has allowed 40 yards rushing in a game to just two running backs this season. Unless Wentz implodes in front of his home crowd, this game seems in the bag for a Philly blowout.

Player to watch: Jay Ajayi, RB. In two weeks with the Eagles, Ajayi has just 15 carries. But those 15 carries have gone for 168 yards and a touchdown, making him by far the most efficient option in Philadelphia’s crowded backfield. Sooner or later, the Eagles are going to have to give him more carries. But with LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement still making noise, Ajayi’s output can’t stay that efficient. Can it?

Line: Eagles by 13.5

Pick: Eagles, 30-16

MIAMI AT NEW ENGLAND

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: Two weeks ago, they were blown out by the Panthers. Last week, they were schooled by Ryan Fitzpatrick and a terrible Tampa Bay team. Now, the Dolphins have to travel to New England to face a red-hot Patriots offense, and well, let’s just say it’s not going to be pretty. Jay Cutler likely being out is actually fortuitous, as the Dolphins are forced to play their better quarterback, Matt Moore. But up against Tom Brady, who’s on an absolute tear right now, Dan Marino could be under center, and it probably wouldn’t matter. The Patriots seem to have figured things out on defense — at least, in their secondary. They’ve allowed just 12.5 points per game over their past six, trailing only Jacksonville in that regard. This one might be over by the second quarter.

Player to watch: Rob Gronkowski, TE. By Gronk standards, the Patriots All-Pro tight end has been quiet in his last few games. But the Dolphins have struggled all year to defend the tight end, and no one is quite as difficult to man up as Gronkowski. Brady could look to feed him early and often in this one.

Line: Patriots by 16.5

Pick: Patriots, 34-17

BUFFALO AT KANSAS CITY

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: Remember when the Chiefs looked like Super Bowl favorites? Good times. Now, the Chiefs are reeling after losing to the terrible Giants last week, and fans are calling for Alex Smith to be benched. It’s really amazing how quickly things change in the NFL. Speaking of change, the Bills are rightfully going back to Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, which shouldn’t come as a surprise if you watched Nathan Peterman throw five first-half interceptions a week ago. Any other choice would’ve caused the entire world to lose faith in Sean McDermott’s sanity. Either way, it shouldn’t matter for the Bills defense, which is hemorrhaging yards on the ground and through the air. The Chiefs would be smart to lean on Kareem Hunt in this one, but who knows, given recent weeks.

Player to watch: Smith, QB. Once the Vegas favorite for MVP, Smith has as many interceptions as touchdowns over the past three weeks — all against struggling defenses. It should come as no surprise that his deep ball is now failing him, considering, before the season’s first two months, he never showed any consistency in that department. But can he hold off rookie Patrick Mahomes all season? Fans are wondering.

Line: Chiefs by 10

Pick: Chiefs, 31-24

TAMPA BAY AT ATLANTA

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: No contending team has a more difficult path to the NFC Wild Card than the Falcons, whose schedule is a murderer’s row of contenders down the stretch. But Atlanta also has the most victories against above-.500 teams of any potential Wild Card squad. The tiebreakers will be favorable. Getting there is the problem. This week, it won’t be much of an issue, given how poorly the Bucs continue to play. Even as they tried to establish the run last week, things went south, as Doug Martin again couldn’t find any room. He hasn’t rushed for 100 yards in a game since Dec. 2015. Due to concussion symptoms, the Falcons will likely be without their top rusher, Devonta Freeman, again, but his No. 2, Tevin Coleman, has been a solid fill-in. The Falcons should have no problem here.

Player to watch: Adrian Clayborn, DE. After Clayborn’s six-sack effort, it was fair to write it off as somewhat of a fluke. His six previous seasons combined had yielded just 22.5 (3.75 per year). But after watching him pressure Russell Wilson a week ago, even returning a fumble for a touchdown, it appears that Clayborn has taken his game up another level. Against a bad offensive line, his momentum could continue.

Line: Falcons by 9.5

Pick: Falcons, 31-17

CAROLINA AT NEW YORK JETS

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: For a team that appears to be rolling and is coming off of the bye, the spread in this game is pretty insulting to the Panthers. Carolina’s defense has been elite, per usual, and Cam Newton is finally finding his groove, especially with sudden No. 1 wideout Devin Funchess. The Jets are also coming off of a bye, but they were in the process of falling apart beforehand. Perhaps a week to get healthy will help the ailing Jets offense, but ultimately Josh McCown is going to have a hard time scoring against a defense that allows fewer than two red zone possessions per game. Running the ball could prove to be even more difficult.

Player to watch: Greg Olsen, TE. The All-Pro tight end is finally set to return from injured reserve, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Panthers are finally starting to put things together on offense, just as other injuries are piling up. Olsen, even at 32, is still one of the most polished players the position has seen in the past decade. He’ll be an important safety net.

Line: Panthers by 4.5

Pick: Panthers, 26-17

TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

Outlook: This has all the trappings of a trap game for the Titans. The Colts played better in the three games before their week off, and with the bye, they’ll be fresh. Marcus Mariota, meanwhile, is fresh off the worst game of his young career. It would require a mammoth effort from Jacoby Brissett to make it happen, but he’s shown the ability to make plays in spots this season. Tennessee continues to struggle against the pass, and the Colts do have weapons downfield. It’s a safe choice to expect Mariota to bounce back here, but nothing about the Titans offense has inspired confidence this season. In a lopsided week of games, an actual upset could be brewing.

Player to watch: Derrick Henry, RB. How much longer can the Titans continue to give valuable carries to the less efficient running back in their rotation? DeMarco Murray has one game over 50 rushing yards this season, while Henry has six games in which he’s averaged more than four yards per carry. Henry blew up the last time they faced the Colts. Maybe now is the time.

Line: Titans by 3

Pick: Colts, 23-21

SEATTLE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Kickoff: 1:05 p.m.

Outlook: Russell Wilson can only do so much. That sentence will be printed on the tombstone from Seattle’s 2017 season, if the Seahawks don’t go on a tear in the weeks to come. Lucky for them, they get a nice bounce-back spot against the 49ers. The defense needs a break. The Legion of Boom has been torn apart about injuries, and now, Shaquill Griffin, who had admirably stepped into a secondary role, is dealing with a concussion. Even if Jimmy Garoppolo plays, there’s probably no reason to fear San Francisco’s offense, unless Seattle’s defense abruptly becomes bad against the run. Carlos Hyde is still a threat, but stopping the run is the one thing the Seahawks have done consistently this season.

Player to watch: J.D. McKissic, RB. The Seahawks promoted Mike Davis from the practice squad last week, in desperate hope of jumpstarting the run game, and he did … until he got hurt. Now, Seattle is back reeling in the backfield, where McKissic, a former college wideout, seems like the most explosive option. Wilson is the leading rusher on this team through 11 weeks. That’s not exactly a good sign.

Line: Seahawks by 6.5

Pick: Seahawks, 30-20

NEW ORLEANS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS

Kickoff: 1:25 p.m.

Outlook: Far and away the marquee matchup of the week, both teams will need to bring their best to this one. That shouldn’t be a problem for the Saints, who showed last week that they’re never out of a game with Drew Brees and the collection of talent around him. The Rams are the ones with the most to prove here. After a disappointing loss to the Vikings, the team’s ceiling in this resurgent season is in question. Can they really compete with the NFC’s other top teams? Are they true contenders? Jared Goff, especially, has an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage of his career yet. He may not have to deal with dynamite rookie corner Marshon Lattimore (ankle injury), either. But down his top wideout, it’s hard to say who has the advantage. Expect a barn-burner at the Coliseum.

Player to watch: Cooper Kupp, WR. With Robert Woods out for the next few weeks, someone in the Rams’ high-powered passing offense will need to pick up the slack. While targets are likely to be spread around, Kupp stands to benefit most. Sammy Watkins has been more inconsistent, and Kupp, despite a few bad games, has Goff’s trust.

Line: Rams by 2.5

Pick: Saints, 31-27

JACKSONVILLE AT ARIZONA

Kickoff: 1:25 p.m.

Outlook: Jacksonville very nearly tripped up against Cleveland last week, reminding us all how much this Jaguars team is living on the edge with its bad offense. But that defense, though. Whew. Jacksonville has allowed just 55 yards rushing per game since trading for former Bills interior lineman Marcell Dareus. To lean on the pass, though, might be an even bigger mistake for the Cardinals, who will start Blaine Gabbert against a pass defense that’s allowed just 162 yards per game this season. There really is no good way to attack this defense. Especially if you’re relying on Gabbert and a rundown version of Adrian Peterson.

Player to watch: Telvin Smith, LB. Pick whatever Jaguars defender you’d like. All of them are worth watching, but Smith has been especially dominant this season from his spot in the middle of the Jaguars defense. Few linebackers in the NFL are more athletic, and as the Cardinals try to run the ball, he’s a matchup nightmare.

Line: Jaguars by 5

Pick: Jaguars, 24-14

DENVER AT OAKLAND

Kickoff: 1:25 p.m.

Outlook: As both of these teams find themselves pointing fingers and passing blame, they get to face off in what can only be deemed as the NFL’s Mismanagement Bowl 2017. The Broncos fired their offensive coordinator this week. The Raiders fired their defensive coordinator. That should yield something unpredictable. Who knows if that will be good or bad for either. Denver’s defensive struggles continue to be a mystery, especially in the secondary, which has allowed offenses to throw three touchdowns in three consecutive games. The Broncos have been terrible on the road, and with rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch stepping in, that’s not ideal. In one of the hardest games to handicap this week, the Raiders get the slight edge.

Player to watch: Lynch, QB. The Raiders haven’t intercepted a single pass this season, and their quarterback rating allowed is 10 points higher than any other team in the league. Not a bad place for the second-year, developmental quarterback to find his sea legs. That said, who knows what Lynch might look like, given the fact that the Broncos opted for Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler over him.

Line: Raiders by 5

Pick: Raiders, 23-19

GREEN BAY AT PITTSBURGH

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m.

Outlook: Last week, against the Titans on Monday Night Football, the Steelers offense finally came alive. If they can manage to sustain that in the weeks to come, there are few teams in the NFL capable of stopping them. But that’s a big “if”. The Packers won’t be able to stop them, regardless, given how poor the offense has played lately. It looks as if Brett Hundley isn’t going to amount to much more than a subpar backup in Green Bay, and the Steelers defense will be his hardest test yet. Ben Roethlisberger might not have to do much in this game, with Le’Veon Bell to lean on. The Steelers may try to keep him fresh down the stretch, if this game gets out of hand.

Player to watch: Cam Heyward, DL. As the Steelers defense has shown itself to be one of the league’s best over the past month, Heyward has emerged as one of its most dominant stalwarts. He’s gotten constant pressure, with four sacks in his past four games, and this week, he should give Hundley nightmares.

Line: Steelers by 14

Pick: Steelers, 30-17

HOUSTON AT BALTIMORE

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m., Monday

Outlook: Vegas has a lot of undue confidence in Joe Flacco, who has unequivocally been one of the league’s worst quarterbacks this season. His season is almost indistinguishable from the seven games Jared Goff played last season as a rookie. The Ravens do have their defense to count on, but even the Tom Savage-led Texans are capable of putting together a passable offensive performance. Flacco, we can’t be so sure. The Texans defense has stepped in to help in recent weeks, with Jadeveon Clowney on an absolute tear in that span. A few big plays for Houston, and Baltimore will have no chance of keeping up.

Player to watch: Danny Woodhead, RB. The checkdown king returned last week and got immediately involved, before a quiet second half. Woodhead should be an even larger part of the offense this week, as Houston’s front seven turns up the pressure. He might need to carry the entire Baltimore offense on his back.

Ryan Kartje is a sports features reporter, with a special focus on the NFL and college sports. He has worked for the Orange County Register since 2012, when he was hired as UCLA beat writer. His enterprise work on the rise and fall of the daily fantasy sports industry (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/industry-689093-fantasy-daily.html) was honored in 2015 with an Associated Press Sports Editors’ enterprise award in the highest circulation category. His writing has also been honored by the Football Writers Association of America and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Ryan worked for the Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Times and Fox Sports Wisconsin, before moving out west to live by the beach and eat copious amounts of burritos.

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